Àird Fada

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Àird Fada

Tidal channels and mud flats Having squeezed into a corner of this square, further progress across the tidal mud flats would appear to be a foolish move. The unnamed islet some 150m away is, according to the OS map, surrounded by sand. In reality it appears to be a rather sicky mud.
Tidal channels and mud flats Credit: Gordon Hatton

Àird Fada is a prominent coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. This headland, also known as a point, juts out into the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and rugged beauty to visitors.

Situated on the western coast of Scotland, Àird Fada showcases the region's dramatic landscape with its towering cliffs and rocky terrain. The headland is formed by the gradual erosion of the surrounding land, leaving behind a distinctive promontory that stretches out into the sea. Its elevated position provides an excellent vantage point, allowing visitors to observe the surrounding waters and the distant horizon.

The cliffs of Àird Fada are composed of a variety of rock types, including sandstone and granite, which have been shaped over centuries by the relentless force of the ocean. This geological diversity contributes to the headland's unique appearance, with layers of different colors and textures visible along its steep slopes.

The area surrounding Àird Fada is rich in wildlife, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Seabirds such as gannets, kittiwakes, and fulmars can often be spotted nesting on the cliffs, while seals and dolphins can sometimes be observed swimming in the waters below. The headland is also home to a variety of plant species, including hardy grasses and wildflowers that cling to the rocky surfaces.

Accessible via a narrow road, Àird Fada provides a peaceful and secluded setting for visitors to explore. The headland offers a sense of tranquility and a chance to connect with nature in one of Scotland's most stunning coastal locations.

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Àird Fada Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.651181/-7.2135152 or Grid Reference NF8974. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tidal channels and mud flats Having squeezed into a corner of this square, further progress across the tidal mud flats would appear to be a foolish move. The unnamed islet some 150m away is, according to the OS map, surrounded by sand. In reality it appears to be a rather sicky mud.
Tidal channels and mud flats
Having squeezed into a corner of this square, further progress across the tidal mud flats would appear to be a foolish move. The unnamed islet some 150m away is, according to the OS map, surrounded by sand. In reality it appears to be a rather sicky mud.
Tidal channel from Rubha Dubh There's a maze of muddy tidal channels here. The OS map indicates sand, but only the foolish, or those with chest waders would be tempted to cross these muddy channels.
Tidal channel from Rubha Dubh
There's a maze of muddy tidal channels here. The OS map indicates sand, but only the foolish, or those with chest waders would be tempted to cross these muddy channels.
Salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh With a good flowering of Thrift [Armeria maritima].
Salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh
With a good flowering of Thrift [Armeria maritima].
Thrift on North Uist Good flowering on a salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh. Growing with Sea Plantain.
Thrift on North Uist
Good flowering on a salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh. Growing with Sea Plantain.
Thrift and Sea Plantain Armeria maritima and Plantago maritima on the salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh.
Thrift and Sea Plantain
Armeria maritima and Plantago maritima on the salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh.
Loch na Leacaich Shoreline A view along the shoreline of Loch na Leacaich, with the peaked hill of Crogearraidh Mor is the far distance.
Loch na Leacaich Shoreline
A view along the shoreline of Loch na Leacaich, with the peaked hill of Crogearraidh Mor is the far distance.
View towards Loch an Duin The distant water translates as the Loch of the Dun, with the remains of Dun Torcuill in the middle distance [centre of photo]. The convoluted outline of the loch includes two other dun sites, both well out of sight from this point by the road.
View towards Loch an Duin
The distant water translates as the Loch of the Dun, with the remains of Dun Torcuill in the middle distance [centre of photo]. The convoluted outline of the loch includes two other dun sites, both well out of sight from this point by the road.
Loch Dheoir Loch Dheoir is the name given to this area of salt water where a maze of channels eventually connect with the open sea close to Lochmaddy.
Loch Dheoir
Loch Dheoir is the name given to this area of salt water where a maze of channels eventually connect with the open sea close to Lochmaddy.
Dun Torcuill A view from an adjoining square towards this iron age broch in Loch an Duin. The walls are said to be up to 4m thick and 3m high, but approach on land is very difficult.
Dun Torcuill
A view from an adjoining square towards this iron age broch in Loch an Duin. The walls are said to be up to 4m thick and 3m high, but approach on land is very difficult.
A865 below Blathaisbhal
A865 below Blathaisbhal
Sea loch at Aileodair View from the loch side picnic area.
Sea loch at Aileodair
View from the loch side picnic area.
House near Trumaisgearraidh - view to the W from the B893
House near Trumaisgearraidh - view to the W from the B893
Beinn Mhor Trig Point North Uist A view from the Beinn Mhor trig point looking South East in the direction of Lochmaddy in the far distance
Beinn Mhor Trig Point North Uist
A view from the Beinn Mhor trig point looking South East in the direction of Lochmaddy in the far distance
House near Clachan Sands
House near Clachan Sands
B893 past Clachan Sands
B893 past Clachan Sands
Òban nan Sruthan An arm of the sea that cuts deep into the land of North Uist.
Òban nan Sruthan
An arm of the sea that cuts deep into the land of North Uist.
Decorated Phone Box I am unsure whether or not this still functions as a phone box.
Decorated Phone Box
I am unsure whether or not this still functions as a phone box.
Commemorative Plaque The plaque is self-explanatory. It is on a boulder opposite the end of the road to Clachan Sands.
Commemorative Plaque
The plaque is self-explanatory. It is on a boulder opposite the end of the road to Clachan Sands.
Show me another place!

Àird Fada is located at Grid Ref: NF8974 (Lat: 57.651181, Lng: -7.2135152)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///opposite.patching.uses. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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